LETTER: Clean energy future leaving Canada behind

According to an article in Forbes magazine, Japan’s lost nuclear output since Fukushima has been half displaced by efficiency, frugality, and renewables. Renewables provide 13 per cent of America’s energy, 33 per cent of Italy’s, 46 per cent of Spain’s, 50 per cent of Scotland’s, over 50 per cent of Denmark’s, and 64 per cent of Portugal’s. Germany’s fossil-fueled generation hit a 35-year low; renewables were its biggest power source.

And what is Canada doing?

Over half the world’s renewable installations and investments last year were in developing countries. China cuts its energy intensity four to five per cent a year, burning less total coal. China added more solar capacity in 2013 than the US added since inventing it 61 years ago. India did the same for the past two years, has quadrupled its renewable targets, and aims to build a world-class solar industry.

National policy in Canada usually undercuts renewables, despite contrary rhetoric. As much of the world moves forward to a sustainable future, why is Canada lagging?